father’s day thoughts

My dad was a tough guy. Never said much about difficulty. In fact I found an old journal of his where all he said about being on the beach in Normandy was “It was hell.”

One of my daughters played basketball. Often we would ride our bikes over to a nearby playground and shoot baskets and play one-on-one. One day my twelve year old hops on her bike with the ball under her left arm, right hand for steering and off she goes with me following. Two blocks from home, I see her reach her right hand over to the left side to shift gears and wham it’s “Hello pavement meet girl.”

A neighbor lady who was out walking saw the spill and sprints up making comforting noises. I ride up, “You’re OK, let’s go.” Leaving a stunned neighbor, mouth agape as off we go.

About a block later as we silently ride on I glance over at my ever game companion and she is cuts and scrapes and blood all over. “Uhhh… maybe we should turn around and let your mom check you out.” Remember girls, Webbs gotta be tough, just not that tough.

Happy Father’s day kids, thanks for putting up with the learning curve.

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21 Comments on “father’s day thoughts”

Really enjoyed this. Thanks for sharing. Sorry to have gotten here a bit after Father’s Day to read it. As a mother we want certain qualities in our girls. (I have two, 36 and 44), both mothers also. My oldest was a tomboy who hated wearing dresses, loves and loved wearing Nikes, Levis, and tee shirts, acted too touch sometimes but not do things her ‘girly’ sister would do like skydive and bungee jump. I think a girl is maybe balanced if she has a bit of the adventurous spirit, but with some softness between her knuckles, sweetness in her smile and a gentle heart. But, like with boys and everyone, we’re all unique and with our own style and perspective on life. But, if your girls can be and are confident, responsible, self assured with a bit of toughness, too, then those are all great qualities to have. And with a mother like Janet, I bet they are. :)

Yes, do that (visit) when you come out this way. We would love that. I liked what I saw of Chicago too, but was so many years ago, decades I think that I cannot remember a lot except for the ‘loop’ when I was there. :)

Haha …..I think it comes naturally for fathers than mothers to toughen their kids. I smiled when I read….you’re ok, let’s go…..my husband says the same to ours. As a mother panic and ask ….Are you ok? let me help you. But kids need both…..the perfect balance. Hope you had a great fathers day?

This is such a neat glimpse into 3 generations of your family. It always amazes me how our WWII vets just didn’t talk about their experiences. My dad died in that War–before Normandy. Sometimes I wonder if that wasn’t the kinder thing.

Cannot cry over everything can we? I always tell my girls to “wipe it off”. I am sure your daughter will never forget that. She was lucky to have a dad that would do those things with her–many kids don’t. Happy Father’s day!

I got goosebumps when I read your response. A perfect quote for a perfect day! I was thinking especially of my father who passed a couple of years ago. He remains ever present in my thoughts and memories, a guiding hand. It is a reminder that we must create memories for those who will continue on after us…
I do enjoy our conversations.